Apparatuses and methods for facilitating communications using a single hollow core fiber combining module

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, causing, by a processing system including a processor, a first optical signal to be conveyed within a first communication device from a first component of the first communication device to a second component of the first communication device via a first fiber including a first hollow core fiber, and causing, by the processing system, the first optical signal to be transmitted from the first communication device to a second communication device via a second fiber. Other embodiments are disclosed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods forfacilitating communications using a single hollow core fiber combiningmodule.

BACKGROUND

As the world increasingly becomes connected via vast communicationnetworks and systems and via various communication devices, additionalopportunities are created/generated to provision services to users(e.g., subscribers). A maturation and evolution in technology haveenabled data-rich services and applications to be realized withrelatively low levels of latency. For example, such amaturation/evolution has enabled high-definition, streaming video withrelatively low levels of latency.

Fiber has increasingly been used as a medium or trunk in a conveyance ofdata from a source (e.g., a plant or office) to a destination (e.g., anend-user's home) due to its reliability and high data-carryingcapacity/bandwidth. Conventionally, solid core fiber (SCF) was used as amedium for transferring data. Thereafter, hollow core fiber (HCF) hasgained traction as a medium. Relative to SCF, HCF features lower latencyat the expense of greater loss over a same/given distance. Thus,depending on the application or environment at hand, tradeoffs may bemade between latency and loss to select between SCF and HCF. At leastsome applications (e.g., remotely operated robotic surgery, stock orasset trading, etc.) are extremely sensitive to latency, which is to saythat such applications may impose strict requirements that an end-to-endlatency not exceed some threshold value. However, even in embodimentsincorporating HCF as a main medium/trunk it might not be possible tosatisfy the requirements. More generally, any reduction in latency thatmay be able to be obtained may improve a quality of service (QoS) orquality of experience (QoE). Thus, any improvements in performance(e.g., a reduction in end-to-end latency) are highly sought after.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary, non-limitingembodiment of a communications network in accordance with variousaspects described herein.

FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an example hollow core fiber (HCF) inaccordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment ofa combining module in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2C is a diagram of a system in accordance with various aspects ofthis disclosure.

FIG. 2D depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a virtualized communication network in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of amobile network platform in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acommunication device in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for reducing latency/delay associated with communicationsand/or data transfer operations by incorporating hollow core fibertechnology in/as part of one or more components and/or devices. Otherembodiments are described in the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include, in whole or inpart, routing an optical signal from a first component of a device to asecond component of the device using a first link incorporating hollowcore fiber technology, wherein the second component processes theoptical signal to generate at least one processed optical signal; andoutputting the at least one processed optical signal to a transmissionmedium for transmission to a second device coupled to the transmissionmedium.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include, in whole or inpart, identifying a first threshold corresponding to a tolerableend-to-end latency associated with a transmission of a first opticalsignal from a first device to a second device over a transmission mediumincorporating hollow core fiber technology; based on the identifying ofthe first threshold, causing the first optical signal to be routed froma first component of the first device to a second component of the firstdevice using a first link incorporating hollow core fiber technology;and causing the first optical signal to be transmitted over thetransmission medium based on the causing of the first optical signal tobe routed.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include, in whole or inpart, causing, by a processing system including a processor, a firstoptical signal to be conveyed within a first communication device from afirst component of the first communication device to a second componentof the first communication device via a first fiber including a firsthollow core fiber; and causing, by the processing system, the firstoptical signal to be transmitted from the first communication device toa second communication device via a second fiber.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a block diagram is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a system 100 in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. For example, system 100 can facilitatein whole or in part routing an optical signal from a first component ofa device to a second component of the device using a first linkincorporating hollow core fiber technology, wherein the second componentprocesses the optical signal to generate at least one processed opticalsignal, and outputting the at least one processed optical signal to atransmission medium for transmission to a second device coupled to thetransmission medium. System 100 can facilitate in whole or in partidentifying a first threshold corresponding to a tolerable end-to-endlatency associated with a transmission of a first optical signal from afirst device to a second device over a transmission medium incorporatinghollow core fiber technology, based on the identifying of the firstthreshold, causing the first optical signal to be routed from a firstcomponent of the first device to a second component of the first deviceusing a first link incorporating hollow core fiber technology, andcausing the first optical signal to be transmitted over the transmissionmedium based on the causing of the first optical signal to be routed.System 100 can facilitate in whole or in part causing, by a processingsystem including a processor, a first optical signal to be conveyedwithin a first communication device from a first component of the firstcommunication device to a second component of the first communicationdevice via a first fiber including a first hollow core fiber, andcausing, by the processing system, the first optical signal to betransmitted from the first communication device to a secondcommunication device via a second fiber.

In particular, in FIG. 1 a communications network 125 is presented forproviding broadband access 110 to a plurality of data terminals 114 viaaccess terminal 112, wireless access 120 to a plurality of mobiledevices 124 and vehicle 126 via base station or access point 122, voiceaccess 130 to a plurality of telephony devices 134, via switching device132 and/or media access 140 to a plurality of audio/video displaydevices 144 via media terminal 142. In addition, communication network125 is coupled to one or more content sources 175 of audio, video,graphics, text and/or other media. While broadband access 110, wirelessaccess 120, voice access 130 and media access 140 are shown separately,one or more of these forms of access can be combined to provide multipleaccess services to a single client device (e.g., mobile devices 124 canreceive media content via media terminal 142, data terminal 114 can beprovided voice access via switching device 132, and so on).

The communications network 125 includes a plurality of network elements(NE) 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. for facilitating the broadband access 110,wireless access 120, voice access 130, media access 140 and/or thedistribution of content from content sources 175. The communicationsnetwork 125 can include a circuit switched or packet switched network, avoice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network, Internet protocol (IP)network, a cable network, a passive or active optical network, a 4G, 5G,or higher generation wireless access network, WIMAX network,UltraWideband network, personal area network or other wireless accessnetwork, a broadcast satellite network and/or other communicationsnetwork.

In various embodiments, the access terminal 112 can include a digitalsubscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS), optical line terminal (OLT) and/or other access terminal.The data terminals 114 can include personal computers, laptop computers,netbook computers, tablets or other computing devices along with digitalsubscriber line (DSL) modems, data over coax service interfacespecification (DOCSIS) modems or other cable modems, a wireless modemsuch as a 4G, 5G, or higher generation modem, an optical modem and/orother access devices.

In various embodiments, the base station or access point 122 can includea 4G, 5G, or higher generation base station, an access point thatoperates via an 802.11 standard such as 802.11n, 802.11ac or otherwireless access terminal. The mobile devices 124 can include mobilephones, e-readers, tablets, phablets, wireless modems, and/or othermobile computing devices.

In various embodiments, the switching device 132 can include a privatebranch exchange or central office switch, a media services gateway, VoIPgateway or other gateway device and/or other switching device. Thetelephony devices 134 can include traditional telephones (with orwithout a terminal adapter), VoIP telephones and/or other telephonydevices.

In various embodiments, the media terminal 142 can include a cablehead-end or other TV head-end, a satellite receiver, gateway or othermedia terminal 142. The display devices 144 can include televisions withor without a set top box, personal computers and/or other displaydevices.

In various embodiments, the content sources 175 include broadcasttelevision and radio sources, video on demand platforms and streamingvideo and audio services platforms, one or more content data networks,data servers, web servers and other content servers, and/or othersources of media.

In various embodiments, the communications network 125 can includewired, optical and/or wireless links and the network elements 150, 152,154, 156, etc. can include service switching points, signal transferpoints, service control points, network gateways, media distributionhubs, servers, firewalls, routers, edge devices, switches and othernetwork nodes for routing and controlling communications traffic overwired, optical and wireless links as part of the Internet and otherpublic networks as well as one or more private networks, for managingsubscriber access, for billing and network management and for supportingother network functions.

FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment ofa hollow core fiber (HCF) 200 a in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein. In some embodiments, aspects of the HCF 200 a may beincluded or incorporated as part of one or more portions of the system100 (e.g., the network 125) of FIG. 1 . The HCF 200 a may include ajacket 202 a, a cladding 206 a, and a core 210 a. The jacket 202 a mayprovide for protection relative to environmental conditions (e.g.,weather, impacts with objects, etc.). The cladding 206 a may help tocontain energy or optical light conveyed via the core 210 a. The core210 a may serve as a mechanism or medium for conveying light from asource to a destination; the light may be representative of data in someembodiments. The core 210 a may be composed of/include glass or silica(e.g., a highly purified silica glass); other materials may be used insome embodiments.

As shown in detail via the portion 210 a-1 of the core 210 a representedin FIG. 2A, and as the nomenclature (e.g., the ‘H’ in HCF) implies, thecore 210 a may be hollow (e.g., may have one or more voids imposedtherein). As described above, the hollow nature of the core 210 a mayfacilitate a reduction in latency (albeit at an expense of additionalloss over a dimension or length of the fiber 200 a) relative to an SCFlacking such a hollow/void.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, a diagram of a combining module 200 b inaccordance with aspects described herein is shown. The combining module200 b may be included or incorporated as part of one or more networks orsystems, such as those described herein. In some embodiments, thecombining module 200 b may be implemented in conjunction with a fibertrunk or medium, such as the HCF 200 a of FIG. 2A. The combining module200 b is shown in FIG. 2B as implementing a filter or filtering functionin respect of an input obtained at an input port 204 b of the combiningmodule 200 b. The input may be composed of a number ‘n’ of differentwavelengths, denoted as λ1, λ2, λ3, . . . λn. The filter/filtrationfunction may be implemented using a multiple of bandpass filters (BPFs),denoted as a first BPF 206 b-1, a second BPF 206 b-2, and a third BPF206 b-3 in FIG. 2B. While three BPFs (206 b-1 through 206 b-3) are shownin FIG. 2B, more or fewer than three BPFs may be included in a givenembodiment.

Each of the BPFs 206 b-1 through 206 b-3 may be configured to pass aparticular wavelength (or, analogously, a particular band ofwavelengths) included in the input. For example, the first BPF 206 b-1may be configured to pass the first wavelength λ1 (and reject aremainder of the wavelengths of the input), the second BPF 206 b-2 maybe configured to pass the second wavelength λ2 (and reject the remainderof the wavelengths of the input), and the third BPF 206 b-3 may beconfigured to pass the third wavelength λ3 (and reject the remainder ofthe wavelengths of the input). The output of each of the BPFs 206 b-1through 206 b-3 may be routed to a respective output port (e.g., one ofthe outputs 208 b-1, 208 b-2, and 208 b-3) of the combining module 200b, where the outputs of the combining module 200 b correspond to Output1 (λ1), Output 2 (λ2), and Output 3 (λ3). Each of those outputs (Output1 through Output 3) may be coupled (e.g., connected) to (one or morestrands of) a fiber medium or trunk, such as the HCF 200 a of FIG. 2A.The outputs may be conveyed by the fiber medium or trunk to adestination.

As one skilled in the art will appreciate, in addition to the filteringfunctionality that may be obtained via the BPFs, the combining module200 b may serve as a demultiplexer (or demux) of a transmitter bygenerating multiple outputs from a single input (e.g., the combiningmodule may facilitate a “one-to-many” function). Further, as one skilledin the art will appreciate, a module located at a receiver mayfacilitate a multiplexer (or mux) function by combining the multipleoutputs (e.g., Output 1 through Output 3) shown in FIG. 2B into a commonsignal. Filtration, demultiplexing, and multiplexing are examples offunctionality that may be supported or facilitated by aspects of thisdisclosure. More generally, any kind or type of functionality in respectof signals (e.g., optical signals), such as any type or kind of signalprocessing or conditioning, may be utilized in accordance with aspectsof this disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the combining module 200 b may include a number oflinks between the input port 204 b and the output ports 208 b-1 through208 b-3 as represented by reference characters 232 b, 236 b-1, 236 b-2,236 b-3, 240 b-1, 240 b-2, and 240 b-3. In conventional instances of acombining module (or other optical component or device), such links havebeen implemented using SCF. In accordance with aspects of thisdisclosure, one or more links (e.g., one or more of the links 232 b, 236b-1, 236 b-2, 236 b-3, 240 b-1, 240 b-2, and 240 b-3) within an opticalcomponent or device (such as the combining module 200 b) may beimplemented using HCF technology. The use of HCF technology within acomponent or device may reduce the latency within that component ordevice. Depending on the nature or requirements of an application thatis intended to be facilitated by the component or device, the reductionin latency may dictate whether it is even possible to implement theapplication. And, even assuming that the implementation itself is notdirectly dependent on whether HCF technology is used, the use of HCFtechnology as part of the component/device (e.g., as part of the links)may enhance QoS or QoE.

Even relatively minor enhancements in terms of a reduction of latency(e.g., a 1% or 2% reduction) may have a significant impact onperformance, particularly when viewed against a backdrop of a maturationof communication technology demanding ever-increasing speeds or datarates. Stated differently, the reduction in latency may enable sourcesand destinations engaged in communications that are coupled to oneanother via a trunk or medium (e.g., a fiber trunk or medium) to beseparated by increased distances without any accompanying degradation inend-to-end performance (as potentially measured using QoS or QoE basedmetrics).

To demonstrate aspects of the foregoing, a system 200 c is shown in FIG.2C. The system 200 c (which may be implemented in conjunction with oneor more aspects of the system 100 of FIG. 1 in some embodiments) mayinclude a source component or device 204 c engaged in communicationswith a destination component or device 208 c over a medium or trunk 212c. The medium 212 c may correspond to an HCF, such as the HCF 200 a ofFIG. 2A. If it is assumed that a distance D between the source 204 c andthe destination 208 c is fixed (such as part of a legacy environment),implementing aspects (e.g., links) of the source 204 c or thedestination 208 c via HCF technology may result in a reduction oflatency end-to-end (where end-to-end corresponds, in the example of FIG.2C, from and within the source 204 c, over the medium 212 c, and to andwithin the destination 208 c) relative to a scenario or situation wherethose same aspects (e.g., the links) of the source 204 c and thedestination 208 c are implemented using, e.g., SCF technology. If, onthe other hand, it is assumed that the distance D between the source 204c and the destination 208 c is variable (such as part of networkplanning or provisioning operations), the distance D may be increased ifaspects of the source 204 c or the destination 208 c are implementedusing HCF technology relative to a scenario or situation where thosesame aspects of the source 204 c and the destination 208 c areimplemented using, e.g., SCF technology.

While FIG. 2C refers to the components/devices as source 204 c anddestination 208 c, it is appreciated that bi-directional communicationsmay be supported, which is to say that in another instance thedestination 208 c may function as a source and the source 204 c mayfunction as a destination in respect of communications or data transferoperations. Further, while a single source 204 c and a singledestination 208 c are shown in FIG. 2C, it is appreciated that variousembodiments may include multiple sources and/or multiple destinations.

Referring now to FIG. 2D, an illustrative embodiment of a method 200 din accordance with various aspects described herein is shown. The method200 d may be implemented or executed, in whole or in part, inconjunction with one or more systems, devices, and/or components, suchas for example the systems, devices, and components set forth herein.The blocks of the method 200 d that are described in further detailbelow may be implemented or executed via one or more processing systems,where each such processing system may include one or more processors. Insome embodiments, a memory may store instructions corresponding tooperations of one or more of the blocks of the method 200 d, and theprocessing system may execute the instructions to facilitate aperformance of the operations.

In block 204 d, requirements associated with an application may bedetermined/identified. For example, the requirements may pertain to alatency that can be tolerated in association with the application. Inthis respect, the latency may be expressed (as part of block 204 d) inaccordance with, or relative to, a threshold. The threshold, in turn,may be based on an identification of a criticality level associated withthe application. The threshold may be selected from a group or set ofthresholds; each of the thresholds may be associated with a respective,different criticality level.

The requirements of block 204 d may specify or include an identificationof a first component or device and a second component or device. Thefirst component/device and the second component/device may be configuredto communicate with one another in relation to the application; suchcommunication may occur over a medium (see, e.g., FIG. 2C: medium 212c). The requirements may specify a data rate (e.g., a minimum data rate)that must be accommodated to support the application.

In block 208 d, the requirements may be analyzed to generate one or moreoutputs. For example, the outputs of block 208 d may include, withoutlimitation: an identification of a distance (e.g., a maximum distance)that the first component/device and the second component/device may beseparated from one another in executing/partaking in the application, anidentification of one or more aspects (e.g., one or more links) of thefirst component/device and/or the second component/device that are to beimplemented using HCF technology (or, analogously, using SCFtechnology), an identification of a type (e.g., make and model) orcharacteristics of the medium that should be used between the firstcomponent/device and the second component/device, etc., or anycombination thereof. As one of skill in the art will appreciate, theoperations of block 208 d (or the associated outputs) may serve toestablish a “budget” in terms of the characteristics associated with thefirst component/device, the second component/device, and the mediumcommunicatively coupling the first component/device and the secondcomponent/device, based on the latency requirement/threshold of block204 d. In some embodiments, the latency threshold may be based on one ormore of the aforementioned characteristics (which is to say that thecharacteristics may drive the threshold selection).

In block 212 d, (values for) parameters associated with communicationsbetween the first component/device and the second component/device maybe determined or selected based on the outputs of block 208 d. Forexample, the parameters of block 212 d may include or pertain to: amodulation/demodulation scheme that is used, a frequency or frequencyband (or, analogously, a wavelength or band of wavelengths) that isused, a security (e.g., encryption/decryption) scheme that is used, anencoding/decoding scheme that is used, etc., or any combination thereof.To demonstrate, if in a first embodiment the “link budget” issmall/tight (meaning that latency in communications or data transfer islargely intolerable), security may be reduced or even completelyeliminated. Conversely, in a second embodiment where the “link budget”is large/tight (meaning that latency in communications or data transfercan be tolerated to a large extent), extensive security may be appliedto the communications to enhance privacy.

In block 216 d, communications between the first component/device andthe second component/device may be enabled/effectuated using the (valuesfor the) parameters selected in block 212 d.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 2D, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

Aspects of the method 200 d may be executed iteratively or repeatedly,potentially as part of one or more control loops or algorithms, in orderto respond to changes in conditions or an occurrence of one or moreevents. For example, aspects of the method 200 d may be implemented by acontroller that may select values for parameters based on macro-levelconditions (e.g., network loads), micro-level conditions (e.g.,interference or noise associated with a communication session involvingtwo or more components or devices), or the like. In some embodiments,machine learning and/or artificial intelligence may be utilized tofacilitate decision-making processes or logic. In this respect, and asthe method 200 d is exercised, any errors generated may tend to convergetowards zero over time, resulting in improvements or enhancements interms of an accuracy of the decision-making processes or logic overtime.

As set forth herein, aspects of this disclosure may incorporate hollowcore fiber (HCF) technology as part of one or more components or devicesand/or as part of one or more transmission mediums connecting/couplingtwo or more devices. Blended or hybrid approaches may be used, which isto say that some embodiments may incorporate a mixture oftechnologies—e.g., HCF and SCF technologies. In some embodiments, atransmission medium may be substantially larger/longer indistance/length than links included within a given device or component(e.g., may be at least one-hundred times longer). Thus, the latencyassociated with a communication or transaction (e.g., data transferoperation) may largely be driven by characteristics associated with thetransmission medium. However, and as demonstrated herein, even slight orsubtle gains in performance (e.g., even a slight or subtle reduction inlatency internal to a component or device itself) may yield benefits onan end-to-end basis that may dictate success or failure in relation to agiven application or environment. Such subtle gains may yieldsubstantial rewards (and thus, improvements), based on the nature of thepractical application at hand. To demonstrate, an incorporation ofaspects of this disclosure into practical applications may result in,e.g., substantial gains in relation to asset trading, a reduction indiscomfort, pain, or scar tissue associated with surgeries, increasedaccuracy in positioning satellites, vehicles, or other objects,enhancing a quality associated with a playback of a video or audio(e.g., music) file, etc.

Aspects of this disclosure may be tied to particular and/orspecifically/specially-programmed machines, apparatuses, and/ortechnologies that may be configured to generate one or more of theuseful, concrete, and tangible results described herein. Such aspects ofthis disclosure are highly transformative in nature, as communicationsand data transfer operations may occur at speeds/rates that have neverbeen seen before in practice. Suffice it to say, aspects of thisdisclosure are not directed to abstract ideas. To the contrary, and asevidenced herein, aspects of this disclosure are directed tosubstantially more than any abstract idea.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , a block diagram 300 is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication networkin accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular avirtualized communication network is presented that can be used toimplement some or all of the subsystems and functions of the system 100,the medium 200 a, the module 200 b, the system 200 c, and the method 200d presented in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D. For example, virtualizedcommunication network 300 can facilitate in whole or in part routing anoptical signal from a first component of a device to a second componentof the device using a first link incorporating hollow core fibertechnology, wherein the second component processes the optical signal togenerate at least one processed optical signal, and outputting the atleast one processed optical signal to a transmission medium fortransmission to a second device coupled to the transmission medium.Virtualized communication network 300 can facilitate in whole or in partidentifying a first threshold corresponding to a tolerable end-to-endlatency associated with a transmission of a first optical signal from afirst device to a second device over a transmission medium incorporatinghollow core fiber technology, based on the identifying of the firstthreshold, causing the first optical signal to be routed from a firstcomponent of the first device to a second component of the first deviceusing a first link incorporating hollow core fiber technology, andcausing the first optical signal to be transmitted over the transmissionmedium based on the causing of the first optical signal to be routed.Virtualized communication network 300 can facilitate in whole or in partcausing, by a processing system including a processor, a first opticalsignal to be conveyed within a first communication device from a firstcomponent of the first communication device to a second component of thefirst communication device via a first fiber including a first hollowcore fiber, and causing, by the processing system, the first opticalsignal to be transmitted from the first communication device to a secondcommunication device via a second fiber.

In particular, a cloud networking architecture is shown that leveragescloud technologies and supports rapid innovation and scalability via atransport layer 350, a virtualized network function cloud 325 and/or oneor more cloud computing environments 375. In various embodiments, thiscloud networking architecture is an open architecture that leveragesapplication programming interfaces (APIs); reduces complexity fromservices and operations; supports more nimble business models; andrapidly and seamlessly scales to meet evolving customer requirementsincluding traffic growth, diversity of traffic types, and diversity ofperformance and reliability expectations.

In contrast to traditional network elements—which are typicallyintegrated to perform a single function, the virtualized communicationnetwork employs virtual network elements (VNEs) 330, 332, 334, etc. thatperform some or all of the functions of network elements 150, 152, 154,156, etc. For example, the network architecture can provide a substrateof networking capability, often called Network Function VirtualizationInfrastructure (NFVI) or simply infrastructure that is capable of beingdirected with software and Software Defined Networking (SDN) protocolsto perform a broad variety of network functions and services. Thisinfrastructure can include several types of substrates. The most typicaltype of substrate being servers that support Network FunctionVirtualization (NFV), followed by packet forwarding capabilities basedon generic computing resources, with specialized network technologiesbrought to bear when general purpose processors or general purposeintegrated circuit devices offered by merchants (referred to herein asmerchant silicon) are not appropriate. In this case, communicationservices can be implemented as cloud-centric workloads.

As an example, a traditional network element 150 (shown in FIG. 1 ),such as an edge router can be implemented via a VNE 330 composed of NFVsoftware modules, merchant silicon, and associated controllers. Thesoftware can be written so that increasing workload consumes incrementalresources from a common resource pool, and moreover so that it'selastic: so the resources are only consumed when needed. In a similarfashion, other network elements such as other routers, switches, edgecaches, and middle-boxes are instantiated from the common resource pool.Such sharing of infrastructure across a broad set of uses makes planningand growing infrastructure easier to manage.

In an embodiment, the transport layer 350 includes fiber, cable, wiredand/or wireless transport elements, network elements and interfaces toprovide broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130,media access 140 and/or access to content sources 175 for distributionof content to any or all of the access technologies. In particular, insome cases a network element needs to be positioned at a specific place,and this allows for less sharing of common infrastructure. Other times,the network elements have specific physical layer adapters that cannotbe abstracted or virtualized, and might require special DSP code andanalog front-ends (AFEs) that do not lend themselves to implementationas VNEs 330, 332 or 334. These network elements can be included intransport layer 350.

The virtualized network function cloud 325 interfaces with the transportlayer 350 to provide the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide specificNFVs. In particular, the virtualized network function cloud 325leverages cloud operations, applications, and architectures to supportnetworking workloads. The virtualized network elements 330, 332 and 334can employ network function software that provides either a one-for-onemapping of traditional network element function or alternately somecombination of network functions designed for cloud computing. Forexample, VNEs 330, 332 and 334 can include route reflectors, domain namesystem (DNS) servers, and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)servers, system architecture evolution (SAE) and/or mobility managemententity (MME) gateways, broadband network gateways, IP edge routers forIP-VPN, Ethernet and other services, load balancers, distributers andother network elements. Because these elements don't typically need toforward large amounts of traffic, their workload can be distributedacross a number of servers—each of which adds a portion of thecapability, and overall which creates an elastic function with higheravailability than its former monolithic version. These virtual networkelements 330, 332, 334, etc. can be instantiated and managed using anorchestration approach similar to those used in cloud compute services.

The cloud computing environments 375 can interface with the virtualizednetwork function cloud 325 via APIs that expose functional capabilitiesof the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide the flexible and expandedcapabilities to the virtualized network function cloud 325. Inparticular, network workloads may have applications distributed acrossthe virtualized network function cloud 325 and cloud computingenvironment 375 and in the commercial cloud, or might simply orchestrateworkloads supported entirely in NFV infrastructure from these thirdparty locations.

Turning now to FIG. 4 , there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein. In order to provide additional context for various embodimentsof the embodiments described herein, FIG. 4 and the following discussionare intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitablecomputing environment 400 in which the various embodiments of thesubject disclosure can be implemented. In particular, computingenvironment 400 can be used in the implementation of network elements150, 152, 154, 156, access terminal 112, base station or access point122, switching device 132, media terminal 142, and/or VNEs 330, 332,334, etc. Each of these devices can be implemented viacomputer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers,and/or in combination with other program modules and/or as a combinationof hardware and software. For example, computing environment 400 canfacilitate in whole or in part routing an optical signal from a firstcomponent of a device to a second component of the device using a firstlink incorporating hollow core fiber technology, wherein the secondcomponent processes the optical signal to generate at least oneprocessed optical signal, and outputting the at least one processedoptical signal to a transmission medium for transmission to a seconddevice coupled to the transmission medium. Computing environment 400 canfacilitate in whole or in part identifying a first thresholdcorresponding to a tolerable end-to-end latency associated with atransmission of a first optical signal from a first device to a seconddevice over a transmission medium incorporating hollow core fibertechnology, based on the identifying of the first threshold, causing thefirst optical signal to be routed from a first component of the firstdevice to a second component of the first device using a first linkincorporating hollow core fiber technology, and causing the firstoptical signal to be transmitted over the transmission medium based onthe causing of the first optical signal to be routed. Computingenvironment 400 can facilitate in whole or in part causing, by aprocessing system including a processor, a first optical signal to beconveyed within a first communication device from a first component ofthe first communication device to a second component of the firstcommunication device via a first fiber including a first hollow corefiber, and causing, by the processing system, the first optical signalto be transmitted from the first communication device to a secondcommunication device via a second fiber.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

As used herein, a processing circuit includes one or more processors aswell as other application specific circuits such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit, digital logic circuit, state machine,programmable gate array or other circuit that processes input signals ordata and that produces output signals or data in response thereto. Itshould be noted that while any functions and features described hereinin association with the operation of a processor could likewise beperformed by a processing circuit.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be alsopracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured dataor unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devicesor other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to storedesired information. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or“non-transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory orcomputer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquishrights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any informationdelivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signalsrefers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediacomprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and otherwireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 4 , the example environment can comprise acomputer 402, the computer 402 comprising a processing unit 404, asystem memory 406 and a system bus 408. The system bus 408 couplessystem components including, but not limited to, the system memory 406to the processing unit 404. The processing unit 404 can be any ofvarious commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors andother multiprocessor architectures can also be employed as theprocessing unit 404.

The system bus 408 can be any of several types of bus structure that canfurther interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 406comprises ROM 410 and RAM 412. A basic input/output system (BIOS) can bestored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines thathelp to transfer information between elements within the computer 402,such as during startup. The RAM 412 can also comprise a high-speed RAMsuch as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 402 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 414(e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal HDD 414 can also be configured forexternal use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy diskdrive (FDD) 416, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette418) and an optical disk drive 420, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 422 or,to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such as theDVD). The HDD 414, magnetic FDD 416 and optical disk drive 420 can beconnected to the system bus 408 by a hard disk drive interface 424, amagnetic disk drive interface 426 and an optical drive interface 428,respectively. The hard disk drive interface 424 for external driveimplementations comprises at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus(USB) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394interface technologies. Other external drive connection technologies arewithin contemplation of the embodiments described herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 402, the drives and storagemedia accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable storage media above refersto a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and aremovable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other types of storage media which arereadable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flashmemory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the exampleoperating environment, and further, that any such storage media cancontain computer-executable instructions for performing the methodsdescribed herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 412,comprising an operating system 430, one or more application programs432, other program modules 434 and program data 436. All or portions ofthe operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 412. The systems and methods described herein can beimplemented utilizing various commercially available operating systemsor combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 402 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 438 and apointing device, such as a mouse 440. Other input devices (not shown)can comprise a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick,a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen or the like. These and otherinput devices are often connected to the processing unit 404 through aninput device interface 442 that can be coupled to the system bus 408,but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, anIEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 444 or other type of display device can be also connected tothe system bus 408 via an interface, such as a video adapter 446. Itwill also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a monitor 444can also be any display device (e.g., another computer having a display,a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.) for receiving displayinformation associated with computer 402 via any communication means,including via the Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to themonitor 444, a computer typically comprises other peripheral outputdevices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 402 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 448. The remotecomputer(s) 448 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallycomprises many or all of the elements described relative to the computer402, although, for purposes of brevity, only a remote memory/storagedevice 450 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprisewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 452 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 454. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 402 can beconnected to the LAN 452 through a wired and/or wireless communicationnetwork interface or adapter 456. The adapter 456 can facilitate wiredor wireless communication to the LAN 452, which can also comprise awireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with the adapter 456.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 402 can comprisea modem 458 or can be connected to a communications server on the WAN454 or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 454,such as by way of the Internet. The modem 458, which can be internal orexternal and a wired or wireless device, can be connected to the systembus 408 via the input device interface 442. In a networked environment,program modules depicted relative to the computer 402 or portionsthereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 450. It willbe appreciated that the network connections shown are example and othermeans of establishing a communications link between the computers can beused.

The computer 402 can be operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portabledata assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment orlocation associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk,news stand, restroom), and telephone. This can comprise WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, thecommunication can be a predefined structure as with a conventionalnetwork or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radiotechnologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac, ag, etc.) to providesecure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can beused to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wirednetworks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operatein the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for example or with productsthat contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can providereal-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernetnetworks used in many offices.

Turning now to FIG. 5 , an embodiment 500 of a mobile network platform510 is shown that is an example of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156,and/or VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. For example, platform 510 can facilitatein whole or in part routing an optical signal from a first component ofa device to a second component of the device using a first linkincorporating hollow core fiber technology, wherein the second componentprocesses the optical signal to generate at least one processed opticalsignal, and outputting the at least one processed optical signal to atransmission medium for transmission to a second device coupled to thetransmission medium. Platform 510 can facilitate in whole or in partidentifying a first threshold corresponding to a tolerable end-to-endlatency associated with a transmission of a first optical signal from afirst device to a second device over a transmission medium incorporatinghollow core fiber technology, based on the identifying of the firstthreshold, causing the first optical signal to be routed from a firstcomponent of the first device to a second component of the first deviceusing a first link incorporating hollow core fiber technology, andcausing the first optical signal to be transmitted over the transmissionmedium based on the causing of the first optical signal to be routed.Platform 510 can facilitate in whole or in part causing, by a processingsystem including a processor, a first optical signal to be conveyedwithin a first communication device from a first component of the firstcommunication device to a second component of the first communicationdevice via a first fiber including a first hollow core fiber, andcausing, by the processing system, the first optical signal to betransmitted from the first communication device to a secondcommunication device via a second fiber.

In one or more embodiments, the mobile network platform 510 can generateand receive signals transmitted and received by base stations or accesspoints such as base station or access point 122. Generally, mobilenetwork platform 510 can comprise components, e.g., nodes, gateways,interfaces, servers, or disparate platforms, that facilitate bothpacket-switched (PS) (e.g., internet protocol (IP), frame relay,asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) and circuit-switched (CS) traffic(e.g., voice and data), as well as control generation for networkedwireless telecommunication. As a non-limiting example, mobile networkplatform 510 can be included in telecommunications carrier networks, andcan be considered carrier-side components as discussed elsewhere herein.Mobile network platform 510 comprises CS gateway node(s) 512 which caninterface CS traffic received from legacy networks like telephonynetwork(s) 540 (e.g., public switched telephone network (PSTN), orpublic land mobile network (PLMN)) or a signaling system #7 (SS7)network 560. CS gateway node(s) 512 can authorize and authenticatetraffic (e.g., voice) arising from such networks. Additionally, CSgateway node(s) 512 can access mobility, or roaming, data generatedthrough SS7 network 560; for instance, mobility data stored in a visitedlocation register (VLR), which can reside in memory 530. Moreover, CSgateway node(s) 512 interfaces CS-based traffic and signaling and PSgateway node(s) 518. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, CS gatewaynode(s) 512 can be realized at least in part in gateway GPRS supportnode(s) (GGSN). It should be appreciated that functionality and specificoperation of CS gateway node(s) 512, PS gateway node(s) 518, and servingnode(s) 516, is provided and dictated by radio technology(ies) utilizedby mobile network platform 510 for telecommunication over a radio accessnetwork 520 with other devices, such as a radiotelephone 575.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, PS gateway node(s) 518 can authorize and authenticatePS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. Data sessions cancomprise traffic, or content(s), exchanged with networks external to themobile network platform 510, like wide area network(s) (WANs) 550,enterprise network(s) 570, and service network(s) 580, which can beembodied in local area network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced withmobile network platform 510 through PS gateway node(s) 518. It is to benoted that WANs 550 and enterprise network(s) 570 can embody, at leastin part, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Basedon radio technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) orradio access network 520, PS gateway node(s) 518 can generate packetdata protocol contexts when a data session is established; other datastructures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can begenerated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 518 cancomprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate packetizedcommunication with disparate wireless network(s), such as Wi-Finetworks.

In embodiment 500, mobile network platform 510 also comprises servingnode(s) 516 that, based upon available radio technology layer(s) withintechnology resource(s) in the radio access network 520, convey thevarious packetized flows of data streams received through PS gatewaynode(s) 518. It is to be noted that for technology resource(s) that relyprimarily on CS communication, server node(s) can deliver trafficwithout reliance on PS gateway node(s) 518; for example, server node(s)can embody at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, ina 3GPP UMTS network, serving node(s) 516 can be embodied in serving GPRSsupport node(s) (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packetized communication, server(s)514 in mobile network platform 510 can execute numerous applicationsthat can generate multiple disparate packetized data streams or flows,and manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format . . . ) such flows. Suchapplication(s) can comprise add-on features to standard services (forexample, provisioning, billing, customer support . . . ) provided bymobile network platform 510. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that arepart of a voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gatewaynode(s) 518 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a datasession, and to serving node(s) 516 for communication thereafter. Inaddition to application server, server(s) 514 can comprise utilityserver(s), a utility server can comprise a provisioning server, anoperations and maintenance server, a security server that can implementat least in part a certificate authority and firewalls as well as othersecurity mechanisms, and the like. In an aspect, security server(s)secure communication served through mobile network platform 510 toensure network's operation and data integrity in addition toauthorization and authentication procedures that CS gateway node(s) 512and PS gateway node(s) 518 can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s)can provision services from external network(s) like networks operatedby a disparate service provider; for instance, WAN 550 or GlobalPositioning System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s)can also provision coverage through networks associated to mobilenetwork platform 510 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same serviceprovider), such as the distributed antennas networks shown in FIG. 1(s)that enhance wireless service coverage by providing more networkcoverage.

It is to be noted that server(s) 514 can comprise one or more processorsconfigured to confer at least in part the functionality of mobilenetwork platform 510. To that end, the one or more processor can executecode instructions stored in memory 530, for example. It is should beappreciated that server(s) 514 can comprise a content manager, whichoperates in substantially the same manner as described hereinbefore.

In example embodiment 500, memory 530 can store information related tooperation of mobile network platform 510. Other operational informationcan comprise provisioning information of mobile devices served throughmobile network platform 510, subscriber databases; applicationintelligence, pricing schemes, e.g., promotional rates, flat-rateprograms, couponing campaigns; technical specification(s) consistentwith telecommunication protocols for operation of disparate radio, orwireless, technology layers; and so forth. Memory 530 can also storeinformation from at least one of telephony network(s) 540, WAN 550, SS7network 560, or enterprise network(s) 570. In an aspect, memory 530 canbe, for example, accessed as part of a data store component or as aremotely connected memory store.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 5 , and the following discussion, are intended toprovide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in whichthe various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on acomputer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination withother program modules. Generally, program modules comprise routines,programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particulartasks and/or implement particular abstract data types.

Turning now to FIG. 6 , an illustrative embodiment of a communicationdevice 600 is shown. The communication device 600 can serve as anillustrative embodiment of devices such as data terminals 114, mobiledevices 124, vehicle 126, display devices 144 or other client devicesfor communication via either communications network 125. For example,computing device 600 can facilitate in whole or in part routing anoptical signal from a first component of a device to a second componentof the device using a first link incorporating hollow core fibertechnology, wherein the second component processes the optical signal togenerate at least one processed optical signal, and outputting the atleast one processed optical signal to a transmission medium fortransmission to a second device coupled to the transmission medium.Computing device 600 can facilitate in whole or in part identifying afirst threshold corresponding to a tolerable end-to-end latencyassociated with a transmission of a first optical signal from a firstdevice to a second device over a transmission medium incorporatinghollow core fiber technology, based on the identifying of the firstthreshold, causing the first optical signal to be routed from a firstcomponent of the first device to a second component of the first deviceusing a first link incorporating hollow core fiber technology, andcausing the first optical signal to be transmitted over the transmissionmedium based on the causing of the first optical signal to be routed.Computing device 600 can facilitate in whole or in part causing, by aprocessing system including a processor, a first optical signal to beconveyed within a first communication device from a first component ofthe first communication device to a second component of the firstcommunication device via a first fiber including a first hollow corefiber, and causing, by the processing system, the first optical signalto be transmitted from the first communication device to a secondcommunication device via a second fiber.

The communication device 600 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 602 (herein transceiver 602), a user interface (UI) 604, apower supply 614, a location receiver 616, a motion sensor 618, anorientation sensor 620, and a controller 606 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 602 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1×, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 602 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 604 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 608 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device600. The keypad 608 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 600 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 608 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 604 can further include a display610 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 600. In anembodiment where the display 610 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 608 can be presented by way of the display 610 withnavigation features.

The display 610 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 600 can be adapted to present a user interfacehaving graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by auser with a touch of a finger. The display 610 can be equipped withcapacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect howmuch surface area of a user's finger has been placed on a portion of thetouch screen display. This sensing information can be used to controlthe manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the userinterface. The display 610 can be an integral part of the housingassembly of the communication device 600 or an independent devicecommunicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (suchas a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 604 can also include an audio system 612 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 612 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 612 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI604 can further include an image sensor 613 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 614 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 600 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable communications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 616 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 600 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 618can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 600 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 620 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device600 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 600 can use the transceiver 602 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 606 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 600.

Other components not shown in FIG. 6 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 600 can include a slot for adding or removing an identity modulesuch as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or Universal IntegratedCircuit Card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can be used for identifyingsubscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and soon.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only anddoesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “afirst determination,” “a second determination,” and “a thirddetermination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determinationis to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “datastore,” data storage,” “database,” and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage. Further,nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory cancomprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cachememory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available inmany forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methodsherein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising,these and any other suitable types of memory.

Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter can bepracticed with other computer system configurations, comprisingsingle-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computingdevices, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-heldcomputing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, smartphone, watch, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, etc.), microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer or industrial electronics, and the like. Theillustrated aspects can also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network; however, some if not allaspects of the subject disclosure can be practiced on stand-alonecomputers. In a distributed computing environment, program modules canbe located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

In one or more embodiments, information regarding use of services can begenerated including services being accessed, media consumption history,user preferences, and so forth. This information can be obtained byvarious methods including user input, detecting types of communications(e.g., video content vs. audio content), analysis of content streams,sampling, and so forth. The generating, obtaining and/or monitoring ofthis information can be responsive to an authorization provided by theuser. In one or more embodiments, an analysis of data can be subject toauthorization from user(s) associated with the data, such as an opt-in,an opt-out, acknowledgement requirements, notifications, selectiveauthorization based on types of data, and so forth.

Some of the embodiments described herein can also employ artificialintelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more featuresdescribed herein. The embodiments (e.g., in connection withautomatically identifying acquired cell sites that provide a maximumvalue/benefit after addition to an existing communication network) canemploy various AI-based schemes for carrying out various embodimentsthereof. Moreover, the classifier can be employed to determine a rankingor priority of each cell site of the acquired network. A classifier is afunction that maps an input attribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, . . . ,xn), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class, that is,f(x)=confidence (class). Such classification can employ a probabilisticand/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysisutilities and costs) to determine or infer an action that a user desiresto be automatically performed. A support vector machine (SVM) is anexample of a classifier that can be employed. The SVM operates byfinding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs, which thehypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria from thenon-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classificationcorrect for testing data that is near, but not identical to trainingdata. Other directed and undirected model classification approachescomprise, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neuralnetworks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification modelsproviding different patterns of independence can be employed.Classification as used herein also is inclusive of statisticalregression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the embodiments canemploy classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generictraining data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing UEbehavior, operator preferences, historical information, receivingextrinsic information). For example, SVMs can be configured via alearning or training phase within a classifier constructor and featureselection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automaticallylearn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited todetermining according to predetermined criteria which of the acquiredcell sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which ofthe acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existingcommunication network coverage, etc.

As used in some contexts in this application, in some embodiments, theterms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to refer to, orcomprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to anoperational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, whereinthe entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. As an example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By wayof illustration and not limitation, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components mayreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component maybe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. In addition, these components can execute from variouscomputer readable media having various data structures stored thereon.The components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such asin accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., datafrom one component interacting with another component in a local system,distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet withother systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be anapparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical partsoperated by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by asoftware or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein theprocessor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes atleast a part of the software or firmware application. As yet anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus that provides specificfunctionality through electronic components without mechanical parts,the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to executesoftware or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality ofthe electronic components. While various components have beenillustrated as separate components, it will be appreciated that multiplecomponents can be implemented as a single component, or a singlecomponent can be implemented as multiple components, without departingfrom example embodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or computer-readable storage/communicationsmedia. For example, computer readable storage media can include, but arenot limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize many modifications can be made to this configuration withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “user equipment,” “mobile station,” “mobile,”subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” “mobiledevice” (and/or terms representing similar terminology) can refer to awireless device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wirelesscommunication service to receive or convey data, control, voice, video,sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. Theforegoing terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with referenceto the related drawings.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout, unless contextwarrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based, at least, on complex mathematical formalisms),which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited tocomprising, single-core processors; single-processors with softwaremultithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-coreprocessors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreprocessors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; andparallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, aprocessor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), acomplex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimizespace usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor canalso be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

As used herein, terms such as “data storage,” data storage,” “database,”and substantially any other information storage component relevant tooperation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or components comprisingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

What has been described above includes mere examples of variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates thebeginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by otheractivities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indicationreflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/ormay be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further,while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, otherorderings are likewise possible provided that the principles ofcausality are maintained.

As may also be used herein, the term(s) “operably coupled to”, “coupledto”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/orindirect coupling between items via one or more intervening items. Suchitems and intervening items include, but are not limited to, junctions,communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functionalblocks, and/or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, a signalconveyed from a first item to a second item may be modified by one ormore intervening items by modifying the form, nature or format ofinformation in a signal, while one or more elements of the informationin the signal are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can berecognized by the second item. In a further example of indirectcoupling, an action in a first item can cause a reaction on the seconditem, as a result of actions and/or reactions in one or more interveningitems.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a processing systemincluding a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructionsthat, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance ofoperations, the operations comprising: routing an optical signal from afirst component of the device to a second component of the device usinga first link incorporating hollow core fiber technology, wherein thesecond component processes the optical signal to generate at least oneprocessed optical signal; and outputting the at least one processedoptical signal to a transmission medium for transmission to a seconddevice coupled to the transmission medium.
 2. The device of claim 1,wherein the transmission medium is a fiber.
 3. The device of claim 2,wherein the fiber incorporates hollow core fiber technology.
 4. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the first component comprises an input port.5. The device of claim 4, wherein the second component comprises a firstbandpass filter that processes the optical signal to generate a firstoutput signal that is included in the at least one processed opticalsignal.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the second component comprisesa second bandpass filter that processes the optical signal to generate asecond output signal that is included in the at least one processedoptical signal.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the first outputsignal includes a first plurality of wavelengths and the second outputsignal includes a second plurality of wavelengths that is different fromthe first plurality of wavelengths.
 8. The device of claim 6, whereinthe first output signal is coupled to a first strand of the transmissionmedium and the second output signal is coupled to a second strand of thetransmission medium, the second strand being different from the firststrand.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the operations furthercomprise: receiving, via the transmission medium, at least a secondoptical signal.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the at least a secondoptical signal is transmitted by the second device, a third device, or acombination thereof.
 11. The device of claim 9, wherein the operationsfurther comprise: routing the at least a second optical signal from athird component of the device to a fourth component of the device usinga second link.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the second linkincorporates hollow core fiber technology.
 13. The device of claim 1,wherein the operations further comprise: identifying a thresholdcorresponding to a tolerable end-to-end latency associated with the atleast one processed optical signal; and based on the identifying of thethreshold, selecting at least one value for at least one communicationparameter for the at least one processed optical signal.
 14. The deviceof claim 13, wherein the at least one communication parameter pertainsto: a modulation scheme that is used, a frequency or frequency band thatis used, a security scheme that is used, an encoding scheme that isused, or any combination thereof.
 15. The device of claim 13, whereinthe operations further comprise: identifying a criticality of anapplication associated with the optical signal, resulting in anidentified criticality, wherein the identifying of the thresholdincludes a selection of the threshold from a plurality of thresholds inaccordance with the identified criticality.
 16. The device of claim 13,wherein the operations further comprise: identifying a distance betweenthe device and the second device; and identifying a characteristic ofthe transmission medium, wherein the identifying of the threshold isbased on the identifying of the distance and the identifying of thecharacteristic.
 17. A non-transitory machine-readable medium, comprisingexecutable instructions that, when executed by a processing systemincluding a processor, facilitate performance of operations, theoperations comprising: identifying a first threshold corresponding to atolerable end-to-end latency associated with a transmission of a firstoptical signal from a first device to a second device over atransmission medium incorporating hollow core fiber technology; based onthe identifying of the first threshold, causing the first optical signalto be routed from a first component of the first device to a secondcomponent of the first device using a first link incorporating hollowcore fiber technology; and causing the first optical signal to betransmitted over the transmission medium based on the causing of thefirst optical signal to be routed.
 18. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the operations furthercomprise: based on the identifying of the first threshold, causing thefirst optical signal to be routed from a third component to a fourthcomponent using a second link incorporating hollow core fibertechnology, wherein the third component and the fourth component areincluded in the second device; identifying a second thresholdcorresponding to a tolerable end-to-end latency associated with atransmission of a second optical signal from the first device to thesecond device, a third device, or a combination thereof, over thetransmission medium, wherein the second threshold is different from thefirst threshold; and based on the identifying of the second threshold,causing the second optical signal to be routed from the first componentof the first device to a fifth component using a second linkincorporating solid core fiber technology, wherein the fifth componentis included in the first device.
 19. A method, comprising: causing, by aprocessing system including a processor, a first optical signal to beconveyed within a first communication device from a first component ofthe first communication device to a second component of the firstcommunication device via a first fiber including a first hollow corefiber; and causing, by the processing system, the first optical signalto be transmitted from the first communication device to a secondcommunication device via a second fiber.
 20. The method of claim 19,wherein the second fiber includes a second hollow core fiber, whereinthe first hollow core fiber has a first length and the second hollowcore fiber has a second length, and wherein the second length is atleast one-hundred times the length of the first length.